Director, Student Affairs Assessment, Research and Planning

University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington seeks a Director of Student Affairs Assessment, Research and Planning to lead the division's assessment initiatives and support accreditation efforts. The role oversees strategic planning, data collection, and reporting on student development outcomes.

The position requires strong analytical abilities, experience with survey design and data analysis, and the capacity to train staff and consult across units.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with at least three years of experience in assessment research emphasizing learning evaluation.
• Experience in experimental research and survey design, data analysis, and statistical reporting are essential.
• Strong communication skills and understands the need for confidentiality when appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Manages all Division assessment initiatives and supports all Division strategic planning and accreditation compliance efforts.
• Provides leadership, coordination and expertise in designing, implementing, and interpreting assessment projects related to student development, co-curricular learning outcomes, and educational programming/services and measuring how these initiatives impact student success and retention.

Skills

Assessment research

Program evaluation

Data analysis

Statistical reporting

Staff training

Education

Master's degree

Doctoral degree

Tools

Data management tools

Job description

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.

Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life-creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Hiring Range

Determined based on qualifications and/or experience.

Working Title

Director, Student Affairs Assessment, Research and Planning

External Link to Posting

https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/40851

Vacancy Number

E1617

Position Number

8573

Location of Workplace

Main UNCW Campus

Home Department

Student Life Assessment

Division

Student Affairs - 40 Division

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The Director of Student Affairs Assessment, Research, and Planning serves on the Division Leadership Team as well as the University Assessment Council (UAC).

Responsibilities include:

• Manages all Division assessment initiatives and supports all Division strategic planning and accreditation compliance efforts.
• Provides leadership, coordination and expertise in designing, implementing, and interpreting assessment projects related to student development, co-curricular learning outcomes, and educational programming/services and measuring how these initiatives impact student success and retention.
• Provides expertise on the types of assessments that will be most effective, as well as guidance on designing instruments, sampling, data analysis, and reporting. It is essential that this person is not only an expert in conducting the various assessment processes but must also possess the ability to train staff and to consult others on best practices.
• Manages the annual reporting and strategic planning process for the Division.
• Supervise a Research Analyst, and 1-2 graduate assistants (as needed).

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Master's degree with at least three years of experience in assessment research emphasizing learning evaluation.
• Experience in experimental research and survey design, data analysis, and statistical reporting are essential.
• Strong communication skills and understands the need for confidentiality when appropriate.
• Knowledge of appropriate technology in data management, application, and presentation of results.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Doctoral Degree.
• Data analysis / statistics experience.
• Strong analytic, writing, interpersonal, and computer skills.
• Demonstrated ability to summarize and present complex analysis of data to varied audiences and constituents.
• Strong technological skills and/or the ability to learn various technologies.
• Experience applying traditional statistical analyses in a research or program evaluation setting.
• Experience in developing analytics to make data actionable.
• Experience with assessment of student learning and program outcomes.
• A background in theory and practice in education, communication, social sciences or related field.
• Experience with program review.

Required Certifications or Licensures

N/A

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Division of Student Affairs has recently been recognized as one of the "Top 18 Most Promising Places to Work in the U.S." by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. The Division consists of multiple functional departments, each of which is responsible for providing a variety of student support, service, and educational programs which are accessible to all members of the university community. The staff members are dedicated individuals known for their passion and commitment to implementing programs and services that affect student development over the course of a lifetime. Student Affairs provides excellent delivery of student services that are responsive to student needs and promotes the quality of life and education both inside and outside the classroom. We build institutional traditions and lifelong affiliations through creative programs, vibrant student organizations, and a living/learning environment built on core values and uncompromising principles. The Division is a leader and primary spokesperson for students.

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation.

A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive MBA program structured for working professionals, and the nation's first bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Months Per Year

12 Months

FTE

1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Type of Position

Permanent

Job Posting Date

09/21/2026

Posting Close Date

10/19/2026